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Jacob Mendy Gambia GuineaGetty

Wrexham star Jacob Mendy has a moment to forget as he marks AFCON debut with horrible mistake which sees Gambia all but eliminated following defeat to Guinea

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  • Mendy missed an interception before the goal
  • Gambia can only qualify as a best third-placed team
  • Hopes of progression hanging by a thread
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Mendy made his first appearance in the tournament for Gambia on Friday night, in a game that his country really needed to win. Having lost to Senegal in their opening match, Gambia needed a victory to have any chance of progressing as either group winners or runners-up.

    However, Mendy missed an interception in the build-up to Aguibou Camara's goal in the 69th minute that gave Guinea all three points.

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  • WATCH THE CLIP

  • Musa Barrow, Mouctar Diakhaby & Julian Jeanvier, Guinea vs Gambia, January 2024Getty

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    The AFCON does allow third-placed teams to qualify for the knockout stages, with the four best third-placed teams progressing. Gambia can still qualify through that path, but they would need to beat Cameroon on the final matchday of the group stage, on Tuesday, and hope that three points is enough for progression.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Mendy has been a key player for Wrexham this season, playing as a right-back and a left-back, and has made 19 appearances in League Two. He has scored two goals and registered five assists in that time.

  • Jacob Mendy Wrexham 2023-24Getty Images

    WHAT NEXT FOR MENDY?

    It remains to be seen if he will be included in the team when Gambia take on Cameroon in their final group game. Cameroon also need a win, having lost 3-1 to Senegal earlier on Friday, and drawn 1-1 with Guinea in their opener.